The arguement that I've heard about NOT soldering is that by soldering
you create a hard connection that is subject to stress from vibration.

However, my practice is to solder ALL connections and also heat shrink
over them as well. I can't imagine any on-board connections that
would be affected by vibration except perhaps on an engine harness.
Personally, I would solder them too.

I believe that advantage of soldering is that you completely fill any
voids in a terminal or lug thus making it impossible for salt
water/air to penetrate and cause corrosion. Heat shrinking over the
connection further protects the connection.

It would be interesting to know what the mil-spec requirements are
that our navy uses for their ships. I worked in that industry, but
was not involved in cable wiring so I am not familiar with the spec.
Maybe someone knowledgeable in this mil-spec will chime in.

In answer to your question whether proper mechanical crimping with an
adhesive heat seal is enough, I think that it meats the minimum
requirements. But I think that soldering before the heat shrink is
better.

I am a belt AND suspenders type of person.......

Rich


"beaufortnc" wrote:

Hi,

In my quest for the "perfect" marine electrical connection, I've heard
and read a variety of opinions.

In general, most sources agree on the majority of subjects (tinned
wire/connectors, correct sizing, etc...)

However, when it comes to the subject of whether to solder connections
or not, it seems that there is some disagreement.

Are high quality mechanical connections, made with the proper tool, and
protected with adhesive heat shrink enough?

Some think that it isn't.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Mike.